How to prepare for your IELTS test

Be better prepared for your IELTS test by following the five steps below. Find out about the benefits of taking an English language course. Understand the test format and rules. Take advantage of our free practice test materials.

Step 1 Improve your English

It takes time to learn a language and one of the very best ways to learn is to take an English language course. The feedback you receive from your teacher will help you improve the specific skills involved in speaking, listening, reading and writing English.

Use your English every day. Read, speak, listen and write in English as often as you can. This is a proven way to improve your English and therefore your IELTS score.

Speak English with your friends and family

Listen to English language radio, television and film. Try to listen to a variety of English accents including American, Australian, British, Canadian and New Zealand.

Read English publications wherever possible.

Write letters, emails or notes in English to practise your written skills.

Step 2 Understand the test format and rules

Familiarise yourself with the test format – Remember that there are two versions of IELTS – IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The Listening and the Speaking components are the same for both tests but the Reading and the Writing components are different.

Read the Information for candidates booklet which provides essential information about how to respond correctly to each part of the test. You can also collect a copy of this from your test centre.

Read the Notice to candidates.

Get to know what each level on the IELTS band score table means.

Understand what the examiners are looking for in the Speaking and Writing tests by reading the assessment criteria.

Get the facts. Don't believe myths and rumours about the test. They will only distract you.

Step 3 Practise sample questions

Download and practise taking sample IELTS exam questions. As IELTS is timed, it is critical that you practice as many sample exam questions as possible and work to build up your speed.

Practise the test using these free IELTS test sample questions.

Use the Official IELTS Practice Materials (two books available) which you can purchase online or from your local test centre

There is a wide range of IELTS materials available you can purchase from a variety of publishers. For a list of popular titles, click here.

In addition to practising sample questions you may also wish to consider taking an IELTS preparation course. A preparation course will help you:

practise the type of tasks included in an IELTS test (e.g. a short essay/letter for the Writing test)

get feedback on your answers to practice questions

become more confident in your test-taking skills

help you decide if you are ready to take your IELTS test

Ask your local IELTS test centre for more information about preparation courses near you.

Step 4 Try to feel relaxed on the day before your test

On the day before your test, take the time to refresh your memory of the test rules, test format and location so that you feel as relaxed as possible.

Read the Information for candidates booklet again - this contains essential information to help you do your best.

Make sure you know the test rules – read the Notice to Candidates

Get plenty of rest the night before your test.

Plan your journey − ensure you are familiar with the location of the test venue and know how you are going to get there so that you arrive on time.

Step 5 Know what to expect on test day

IELTS Pretest 2015

Listening, Reading, Writing

Ha Noi :

Fri, 6/3/015

Sat, 7/3/2015

Ho Chi Minh City:

Sat 4/10, 8AM, 20GT, IDP office (Dist. 1)

Sat 11/10, 8AM, 20AC, IDP office (Dist. 1)

Wed 15/10, 8AM, 20AC, IDP office (Dist. 1)

Sat 8/11, 8AM, 20GT, IDP office (Dist. 1)

Sat 15/11, 8AM, 20GT, IDP office (Dist. 1)

Wed 19/11, 8AM, 20AC, IDP office (Dist. 1)

The test day advice will help you feel calm and ready to do your best on test day.

IELTS support tools

Download your free IELTS pack including more than 40 test tips plus a checklist to help you prepare.

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